Public officials responsible for aiding all Sandy victims

Never thought I'd quote a movie, much less a superhero movie ("Spider-Man"), but there's one quote that hits home: "With great power comes great responsibility."

I have been displaced since superstorm Sandy hit, turning my life and that of my 4-year-old autistic son upside down.

Recently, I read articles saying how funds raised for victims of Sandy have gone to the lowest-income families and businesses at the Shore. While I certainly don't begrudge anybody in need, this seems contrary to what was intended. As a single mom of a special-needs child, I struggled before Sandy; now it's unthinkable.

Yet, every story - and every official who tours "the devastation" - revolves around the "Shore" (boardwalks/beaches) coming back. Even local officials, when they speak, it's about the barrier island.

How about the actual town? How about the Silverton and East Dover communities that were literally wiped away by the bay? The people who want desperately to stay in homes they love? The ones who, despite wondering how, go to work to pay mortgages on homes that they cannot live in yet?

It's time people start paying attention because revolutionary acts have started, as families realize that they can't do it and walk away from their homes or they demolish without rebuilding, which means fewer tax dollars to municipalities.

In fact, it's my opinion that those in power should value the above quote and take responsibility for all citizens they were elected to represent, not just the "newsworthy" ones.

Danielle Reid Vaz

Toms River

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Public officials responsible for aiding all Sandy victims

Never thought I'd quote a movie, much less a superhero movie ('Spider-Man'), but there's one quote that hits home: 'With great power comes great responsibility.'

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